'Full house every day': F1 crowds shrug off haze as businesses see little impact on demand
Spots which offer both indoor and outdoor seating continue to see diners opting for tables outside, though there appear to be more tourists than locals braving the heat and haze.
Singapore businesses report no significant drop in demand despite haze during Formula 1 weekend
Businesses in Singapore have seen little impact on demand from the haze that enveloped the city-state during the Formula 1 weekend. Crowds continued to dine and drink outdoors at restaurants and bars in central districts such as Raffles City and CHIJMES, many of them tourists who appeared unfazed by the hazy conditions.
Hotels and restaurants with both indoor and outdoor seating, like Chimichanga and Brotzeit, continued to have diners opting for tables outside, despite the haze. At Raffles City, manager Ms Depa Nagarajan noted that business over the last few days was "better than usual" and that the haze had not affected their operations. She expects demand to remain high and that staff have prepared masks and air coolers to ensure customer comfort.
Artisanal manager Tony Eugene at Duomo Ristorante reported a "full house every day" this week, with many international visitors coming to watch the races. Despite the haze, he said he has not heard any complaints from customers or much chatter about the air quality. He expects the weekend crowds to keep coming, not just for the F1 event but also for other attractions.
Tourists appear less concerned about the haze compared to locals, who tend to limit their time outdoors. Jim Beam bourbon whiskey pop-up at CHIJMES reported strong turnout, with more than 1,000 visitors expected over the race weekend. Despite the heat and humidity, patrons were seen enjoying drinks outdoors and listening to live music, with many not even wearing masks.
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